We understand your Mitsubishi Mirage is having difficulty getting certain emission monitors (Catalytic Converter or Catalyst) to complete or become Ready. The emission monitors are programmed to run while your vehicle is being normally operated; city and highway driving over the course of a few days. However, due to different driving habits, the criteria required to run a monitor may not always be met. Following the Mitsubishi Mirage drive cycle below should allow all emission monitors to complete.
The drive cycle must be followed accurately. Take extra caution when performing the drive cycle on public roadways. Perform the drive cycle at your own risk. If you feel you might not be able to perform the drive cycle safely, or obey all traffic laws, seek the assistance of a smog check repair station which will be able to perform the drive cycle on a dynamometer and be utilizing specialized OBD II drive cycle readiness tools/scanner/computer. Note: An incomplete evaporative monitor will not cause a smog check failure. The EVAP monitor is the only monitor allowed to be incomplete on a 2000 & newer vehicle (as of the time of this post).
Prior to beginning the drive cycle ensure your vehicle has between 15% to 85% fuel in the gas tank, and that the engine is cold. It is best to start the driving cycle in the morning (after a cold soak).
How To Perform a Mitsubishi Mirage Drive Cycle
A. Begin from Cold Start, and ignition in OFF position for at least 1 hour. Ensure your Mitsubishi's fuel tank is between 1/4 and 3/4 full. Engine coolant temperature must be below 122°F and within 11°F of the ambient air temperature.
B. Idle. Run engine (do not drive) for 2 1/2 minutes with the accessories off. Put the vehicle is Drive (D) while pressing the brake pedal, and hold for 15 seconds. Put the vehicle in Park and turn the ignition to OFF position. Repeat this step once. The ECU will run the Oxygen Sensor Heater self-test and EVAP Purge "No Flow" test.
C. Start the vehicle and turn all accessories off. Begin to drive. Apply half throttle until 55 mph is reached. The ECU will now begin the EVAP Purge Flow test.
D. Hold your speed steady at 55 mph for five (5) minutes. During this time the Oxygen Sensor O2 response, Air Intrusive (AIS System), EGR Flow, Purge Valve, Misfire Detection, and Fuel Trim diagnostics will be performed.
E. During this step slowly let off the accelerator pedal. Do not brake or shift in order to slow down. It is important to let your Mirage coast along gradually slowing down to 10 mph. The ECU will once again self-test the EGR System, EVAP Purge System and Long Term Fuel Trims.
F. Accelerate again at 3/4 throttle until 55-60 mph is reached. This will perform the same self tests as during the first acceleration step.
G. Hold steady speed once again. This time at 55 mph for two (2) minutes. During this time the ECU will perform the catalyst monitor diagnostics.
H. Decelerate. This will perform the same diagnostics as in the first deceleration step. Remember not to press the brake or shift gears.
This ends the Mitsubishi Mirage Drive Cycle. Perform the drive cycle at least twice, and use a scan tool to check and see if all the emission monitors are "Ready" or "Complete".
